India vs England 2nd ODI First Innings: England, after electing to bat first in the second ODI against India at the Barabati Stadium in Odisha, posted a competitive total of 304 all out in 49.5 overs, setting the stage for a gripping chase in the series decider. The visitors’ innings was a tale of explosive starts, middle-order resilience, and late fireworks, but India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja, ensured regular breakthroughs to keep the target within reach.
Key Highlights of England Innings
Duckett-Salt Fireworks at the Top : Openers Ben Duckett (65 off 56) and Phil Salt (26 off 20) launched England’s innings with a blistering 81-run partnership in just 10.5 overs. Duckett, in particular, dominated the powerplay, striking 9 boundaries and rotating strike smartly. Salt’s aggressive intent was cut short by debutant Varun Chakravarthy, who trapped him with a cleverly flighted delivery, but not before England raced to 66/0 in 9 overs.
Root’s Masterclass and Middle-Order Stumbles : Joe Root (69 off 72) anchored the middle overs with a vintage knock, his 40th ODI fifty. He rebuilt alongside Harry Brook (31 off 52) after England lost Duckett and Salt, but a stunning catch by Shubman Gill off Harshit Rana’s slower ball ended Brook’s stay. Root’s elegant drives and reverse sweeps kept the scoreboard ticking, but his dismissal to Jadeja a lofted drive caught by Virat Kohli at deep cover triggered a mini-collapse (India vs England 2nd ODI First Innings).
Livingstone’s Late Surge: Liam Livingstone (41 off 32) injected momentum into the death overs, smashing three sixes, including a towering hit off Harshit Rana. His 41-run cameo, coupled with Adil Rashid’s hat-trick of boundaries off Mohammed Shami, propelled England past 300. However, Livingstone’s run-out in the penultimate over, courtesy of a sharp throw by Shreyas Iyer, epitomized England’s scramble for late runs.
Jadeja’s Spell Turns the Tide: Ravindra Jadeja (3/35 in 10 overs) was India’s standout bowler, dismissing Root, Duckett, and Jamie Overton with guile. His ability to vary pace and exploit the slowing pitch stifled England’s middle order. Varun Chakravarthy (1/54) also impressed on his ODI debut, while Harshit Rana (1/62) and Shami (1/66) chipped in with crucial wickets.
Collapse in the Death Overs: From 247/4 in 42 overs, England lost 6 wickets for 57 runs. Jadeja’s removal of Overton and Shami’s dismissal of Gus Atkinson (3 off 7) exposed the tail. Rashid’s run-out and Mark Wood’s desperate attempt to steal a bye in the final over summed up England’s chaotic finish.
Pitch and Conditions
The black-soil surface in Cuttack offered variable bounce, with occasional balls keeping low. Duckett noted the challenge of dew in the second innings, hinting that the pitch might deteriorate further. England’s total, while formidable, could hinge on how India’s batters navigate the twilight conditions.
Looking Ahead
India’s chase of 305 will test their revamped lineup, featuring Virat Kohli’s return. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top, the hosts will aim to capitalize on England’s lack of spin depth. For England, defending 300 on a slowing track against India’s power hitters promises a nail-biting contest (India vs England 2nd ODI First Innings).
- Match Summary: England 304 (49.5 overs) – Root 69, Duckett 65, Livingstone 41; Jadeja 3/35, Varun 1/54.
- India’s Target: 305 in 50 overs.
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